Overview
Mammillaria rhodantha is a columnar upright cactus succulent in the genus Mammillaria, part of the Cactaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Mammillaria rhodantha grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Mammillaria rhodantha, the rainbow pincushion, is a plant in the cactus family (Cactaceae) and is one of 171 species in the genus Mammillaria which are characterized by having nipple-shaped tubercles or prominences on their surface. In the wild it grows across Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast and Mexico Southwest. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). It works well for patio and container plants. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and north-facing aspects. Plant in very well-drained, gritty compost. Full sun.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mammillaria rhodantha
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mammillaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Mammillaria rhodantha size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mammillaria rhodantha
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by offsets
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mammillaria rhodantha?
Mammillaria rhodantha prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mammillaria rhodantha need?
Mammillaria rhodantha grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Mammillaria rhodantha hardy in the UK?
Mammillaria rhodantha has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Mammillaria rhodantha?
Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by offsets.
More in the Mammillaria genus
- Mammillaria albicans subsp. fraileana
- Mammillaria duwei
- Mammillaria felipensis
- Mammillaria karwinskiana
- Mammillaria pectinifera
- Mammillaria pseudoperbella
- Mammillaria sanchez-mejoradae
- Mammillaria sonorensis
